SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRAINING AND MONITORING DATA READER OPERATORS

Description

Background of the Invention

[0001] The field of the present invention relates to data reading systems, such as barcode scanners, and methods for operating such systems.

[0002] Typically, fixed scanners are installed in a retail checkstand environment for scanning items. Customers gather items for purchase and transport their items to the checkstand. Items are either (1) placed on a counter, with the operator scanning the items ; (2) brought to the operator in a basket, whereby the operator takes the items directly from the basket and scans them; or (3) placed on a conveyor system which transports the items to the operator, whereby the operator scans the items. The items are either scanned by moving them through (or presenting them to) the scan field of a fixed scanner or, in the case of a handheld scanner, the operator aims the scanner at the barcode and scans it.

[0003] In order to maximize throughput speed and minimize physical stress, operators may receive training on scanner operation. Further, the operator may become familiar with the operation of the scanner by trial and error, for example, by adjusting the distance an item is spaced from the scan window during scanning to provide the most consistent first-time reads. Existing systems may also include a monitoring system for measuring the scanning rate of the operator.

[0004] US 5,825,010 discloses a method of reading bar code symbols including determining one or more parameters based upon the quantity and/or quality of the data which is being acquired, and providing the user with information concerning that parameter. The parameter may, for example, be the rate at which code words in the symbol are being read, and that information may be passed to the user by way of an LED which flashes at a rate which varies with the data acquisition rate. For a given bar code symbol being read, the rate of flashing varies with the position of the bar code reader with respect to the symbol. To improve the data acquisition rate, the user simply moves and/or rotates the bar code reader with respect to the symbol in a direction which causes the rate of flashing to increase.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention is directed to a system and method for training and monitoring a data reader operator with the features according to the independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The system comprises a data reader for gathering information about an operator's scanning technique, a PC-based training device that receives the information from the data reader for the purpose of training the operator, and a point-of-sale (POS) device that receives the information for the purpose of monitoring operator scanning technique during normal use. The data reader is integrated with a weigh scale for obtaining a dynamic weight of an item as the item is moved across the weigh scale. Weight data produced by the scanning/weighing process includes information about the amount of lifting the operator performs on scanned items, the rate of scanning by the operator, and rescanning information. The system provides feedback to the operator indicating the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique, and may also provide information to store management for analysis. As a result, the system assists the operator in using the data reader in a more ergonomic and/or efficient manner.

[0007] In another embodiment, the data reader is equipped with a visual feedback display positioned on the data reader housing in a high-visibility location. The feedback display provides a visual readout (i.e. the feedback) in a graphical format indicating, for example, the effectiveness of the operator's scanning technique.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] 

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a fixed scanner/scale according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the fixed scanner of Fig. 1 connected to a PC for implementing a training mode.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the fixed scanner of Fig. 1 connected to a POS terminal for implementing a monitor mode.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed in the training mode of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the steps followed in the monitor mode of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a scanning system employing cameras for detecting scan motion.

Fig. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a scanner according to an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 8 is an illustration of a first operation mode of the scanner of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an illustration of a second operation mode of the scanner of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the fixed scanner of Fig. 1 employing two visual feedback displays.

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic, front left perspective view of a handheld scanner according to an alternative embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic, rear right perspective view of the handheld scanner of Fig. 11.

Fig. 13 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a scanner with a display module attached thereto.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0009] The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. To facilitate description, element numerals designating an element in one figure will represent the same element in any other figure.

[0010] A data reader, as defined herein, is primarily described as a barcode laser scanner in which a laser beam is scanned to produce one or more scan lines for reading a barcode. The data reader may alternately comprise any suitable data reading device such as a CCD imaging data reader, LED reader, CMOS imaging reader, RFID reader, EAS deactivation device, or the like. Other types of reading devices may include security devices such as X-ray or metal detector machines such as those used in airport and building entry security. Though the following examples will generally be described with respect to typical barcode scanners used in the retail environment, it will be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may be applied to any suitable reading devices wherein an operator moves, or "scans," an item through the read volume of the data reading device.

[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates a multi-window scanner 40 similar in configuration to the Magellan® scanner-scale manufactured by PSC Scanning, Inc. of Eugene, Oregon. The scanner 40 includes a housing 42 having an upper housing section containing a vertical window 44 and a lower housing section containing a weigh platter 41 and a horizontal window 46. A feedback display 48 may be positioned on the housing 42 at a high-visibility location relative to an operator, illustrated on the upper housing section next to the vertical window 44. The feedback display 48 is described in greater detail below.

[0012] The scanner 40 has a field of view out through scanner windows 44, 46. The scanner 40 projects a scan pattern comprising one or more scan lines out through the windows 44, 46 for reading barcodes presented or passed through the scan volume. The scanner may read 1-D or 2-D optical codes, product identification, fingerprint ID, or other items such as might be required to be scanned in a retail environment or in security applications.

[0013] In another embodiment, a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) reading device may be used to activate and collect data from RFID tags placed on items. An RFID tag is a normally passive device, but when activated or prompted by a signal from an interrogator, the RFID tag emits a signal with its information to a receiving device. The process of scanning RFID-tagged items is essentially identical to that of scanning barcoded items. In both cases, the item with a tag bearing the information to be captured is brought near or scanned past a compatible reading device to obtain data relating to the item.

[0014] The scanner 40 may also be equipped with Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) equipment, which may be integrated with the scanner 40 or placed in the immediate vicinity thereof. EAS tags are placed on items for the purpose of theft prevention. At the time of purchase, the EAS tag on an item is deactivated so that it will not trigger detection devices placed at store exits. The deactivation equipment is preferably in very close proximity to or integrated with the scanner 40, and is used as part of the overall scanning process. In a typical form, the deactivation equipment is triggered by a "good read" signal from the scanner 40.

[0015] The scanner 40 is provided with a "training mode" in which a special set of items, encoded with identified data, are used to gather information about the operator's scanning technique. Training occurs via a software application based in a personal computer (PC) 43, as shown in Fig. 2, which communicates with the scanner 40 via connection to a PC-port 45 on the scanner housing 42.

[0016] The software application utilizes scanning technique information received from the scanner 40 to evaluate the effectiveness of an operator's scanning technique. The application may also display scanning instructions on a video monitor 49 of the PC 43, including animations and videos of proper scanning techniques, and may also broadcast audio descriptions/instructions. The instructions are preferably tailored to an individual operator based upon data received from the scanner 40 after the operator has scanned a certain number of specific items.

[0017] The application running on the PC 43 may provide information and reports about scanning techniques to the operator, as well as to store management, along with suggestions for technique improvements. The scanner 40 in the training mode may be located in a customary POS checkstand, or may be located in a special training area away from the usual transactional setting.

[0018] In another embodiment, hereinafter referred to as the "monitor mode," the scanner 40 continuously monitors the scanning technique of an operator based upon items scanned that are purchased by customers. In this embodiment, the scanner 40 is used in its normal configuration in a checkstand with connection to a POS system 50 via a POS port 47, as shown in Fig. 3. The scanner 40 provides scanning technique information to the POS system 50, which may then provide the information to a central system location for management evaluation.

[0019] In order to measure the scanning technique of the operator, the scanner 40 first determines one or more of the following barcode orientation/movement data: which scanner window the barcode data came from; which scan line or lines were used to read the barcode; distance of the barcode from the scanner; how long the barcoded item was present in the scan volume before complete decoding occurred (i.e., how long the bar code was present in the scan volume after initial detection by the scanner before a complete barcode scan occurred); or how many pieces of barcode data were assembled to decode the data. From this data, inferences about the operator's scanning technique can be formed, and feedback can then be supplied to the operator and/or to store management.

[0020] The scanner 40 may also be used to instruct operators on the proper use of EAS equipment. The EAS deactivation process is not 100% reliable, partly due to poor operator scanning technique. If, for example, the operator is too quick in moving the product through the deactivation zone, the EAS tag may remain active. The failure of an EAS tag to deactivate has serious consequences. A customer may be stopped by alarms at a store exit, inconvenienced, embarrassed, or even falsely accused of theft.

[0021] The problem of scanner operators failing to properly deactivate EAS tags may be minimized by teaching operators proper scanning technique. Accordingly, the training mode described above may further be used to instruct operators on the proper use of EAS equipment. In this embodiment, the identified training items include items having EAS tags which are used for deactivation practice. The EAS deactivation system preferably includes means, such as a sensing antenna, to determine if an active EAS tag is present. Thus, after a training run, an operator may pass the scanned items back across the EAS sensing antenna to determine how many items are still active, and thus, how many items were not properly deactivated.

[0022] The EAS system may also sense how long an EAS tag is present in the deactivation volume during the training run, and thereby determine the approximate speed at which an item was moved through the deactivation volume. Based upon this measurement, the system could provide feedback to the operator on how to improve item movement technique.

[0023] In another embodiment, the training items may be outfitted with non-deactivatable EAS tags. Accordingly, the entrance to and exit from the deactivation volume, as well as the amount of time an item remains in the deactivation volume, may be measured by the active tag sensing means. This item presence and time data, coinciding with when the operator attempts to read the item data with the scanner 40, may be used for determining scanning technique effectiveness.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a weigh scale having a weigh platter 41 is integrated with the scanner 40 to determine the amount of lifting performed by a scanner operator. An important aspect of proper ergonomic technique during scanning is the minimization of lifting. Thus, providing feedback relating to the amount of lifting performed is beneficial to the physical well being of the operator.

[0025] The weigh platter 41 is used for weighing items priced by weight and for obtaining the "dynamic weight" of items. The dynamic weight of an item is the weight registered by the weigh platter 41 as the item is moved across the surface of the weigh platter 41 during scanning. When an operator scans a heavy item, he/she preferably slides the item through the scan zone, rather than lifting the item. As an item is dragged across the weigh platter, the item is in contact with the weigh platter for a period of time as it is moved.

[0026] For a particular item, this motion may be analyzed to determine a preferred dragging motion, and from that analysis, to obtain an optimum partial weight value or an optimum dynamic weight output (the output may actually be a preferred weight operation function) to ascertain a preferred weight operation function for that item. The optimum partial weight or optimum dynamic weight of the item may then be stored in a lookup table for future comparison during scanning, and/or may be sent to the POS terminal as additional data along with the normal barcode data.

[0027] The lookup table preferably contains weight data for commonly purchased items which are either heavy or are the type of items that are more likely to require manipulation by the operator, that is, items which are most likely to lead to higher exertion or repetitive motion injuries. The lookup table may reside in the scanner 40 or in the training application. When an operator scans such an item, the lookup table is accessed and item weight data or a preferred weight operation function obtained from the lookup table is compared to the dynamic weight or weight operation function of the item registered by the weigh platter 41. Feedback may then be displayed to the operator and/or store management, reflecting the closeness of the preferred weight to the scan weight, or closeness to an optimum dragging motion in one or more of the forms described above.

[0028] If the dynamic weight closely approximates the partial weight or the optimum dynamic weight of the item, this feedback indicates that the weigh platter 41 is bearing most of the load and that the operator is practicing proper scanning technique. If, on the other hand, the dynamic weight differs substantially from the weight expected for the item, this feedback indicates that the weigh platter 41 is likely not bearing the bulk of the load and that the operator is performing unnecessary lifting that could lead to repetitive motion injuries.

[0029] In an alternative embodiment, the scanner may compute the average dynamic weight of items scanned over an extended period of time, such as the duration of a scanner operator's work shift. The average dynamic weight may then be sent to the POS terminal upon receipt of a suitable command, where it may be compared to an average weight standard to determine whether the operator is likely to be performing more lifting than is recommended. The average weight standard reflects an expected average weight that is obtained when many items are scanned over an extended period of time. The average weight standard may be established through trial and error, through evaluating several operators over a period of time who utilize proper scanning technique, or through some other suitable method. Feedback may then be provided to the operator reflecting the closeness of the average weight standard to the average dynamic weight of the scanned items, in one or more of the forms described above. The average dynamic weight that is sent to a POS terminal or other data collection system may also be used for the purpose of reporting the average dynamic weight to store management for analysis.

[0030] Various other types of information about scanning technique may be obtained from weight data obtained from the weigh platter 41. When an item is moved across the weigh platter 41, a weight pulse is produced signifying the duration of time that the item is present on the weigh platter 41. Inferences may be made about stress on the operator's body based upon the weight of the item and how fast the item is moved across the weigh platter 41 (heavier items should be moved more slowly). Thus, when a heavy item is moved quickly across the weigh platter 41, the weight pulse produced will be relatively short, indicating that the operator is moving the heavy item too quickly through the scan zone, which could lead to repetitive motion injuries.

[0031] Additionally, ease of scanning, and the occurrence of rescanning, may be determined by the time within the weight pulse at which a good read of an item occurs. When an item is scanned easily, the good read will occur, on average, near the middle of the weight pulse. If, on the other hand, a good read does not occur as the item is initially moved across the weigh platter 41, a rescan is required. Rescanning is the process wherein the item enters the scan volume of the scanner at a typical scanning speed, a good read does not occur initially, and the item must therefore be moved around on the weigh platter 41 in an attempt to obtain a good read. Once a good read is obtained, the item is moved off of the weigh platter 41 fairly quickly. Thus, the good read occurs near the end of the weight pulse, since the item remained on the weigh platter 41 for a relatively long period of time before the good read occurred, and the item was then quickly removed from the weigh platter 41. This rescanning occurrence information may be provided as feedback to the operator for the purpose of improving scanning technique, and may also be sent to a POS terminal or other data collection system for analysis by store management.

[0032] In monitoring lifting in monitor mode, dynamic weight of each item may be sent to the store system along with the customary item identification data. By statistical analysis of dynamic weight and scan technique data per operator, inferences about training effectiveness may be obtained.

[0033] The same ergonomic considerations that apply to scanning barcoded items apply to scanning RFID-tagged items as well. With RFID scanning, however, the need to twist and rotate items to read data is eliminated, because the RFID tag sends out an omni-directional signal, which is read by the RFID reading device regardless of the orientation of the item and the RFID tag. Accordingly, determining which scanner window reads the RFID information is irrelevant to determining proper scanning technique. The tendency of operators to lift items improperly is still present, however, and the same dynamic weight data used in barcode scanning may be used when monitoring RFID scanning. Thus, a weigh scale device may be used in conjunction with an RFID reader to obtain operator lifting data in a manner similar to that used with a barcode scanner/scale.

[0034] Figs. 4 and 5 are flowcharts illustrating the training and monitor modes, respectively. In both modes, an operator passes an item through the scan volume of the scanner 40 so that the scanner 40 reads a barcode affixed to the item. Additionally, if the item is moved across the weigh platter 41, the weigh scale measures a dynamic weight of the item. The scanner 40 then determines the barcode orientation/movement data and the weight profile data, hereinafter referred to collectively as the scanner/scale data, as described above.

[0035] In the training mode illustrated by the flowchart of Fig. 4, the PC software application logs the scanner/scale data in a performance database for evaluation by management. The PC application may also provide real-time scanning technique feedback to the operator via the video monitor 49, or any other suitable means. This process continues until the last training item is scanned, after which, the PC application evaluates the operator's performance and provides a review of the operator's scanning technique to the operator and/or to the performance database. The review may include information describing flaws in the operator's scanning technique, suggestions on how to improve scanning technique, or any other suitable feedback data.

[0036] In the monitor mode of Fig. 5, the scanner 40 sends the scanner/scale data, along with the barcode item identification data, to the POS terminal 50. The POS terminal 50 collects or directly sends the scanner/scale data to a collection computer, which assembles the data and provides reports to store management. The reports may include scanning technique data for specific operators, or specific checkout lanes, or for any other relevant criteria requested by management.

[0037] In another embodiment, actual scan motion is monitored to evaluate an operator's scanning technique. Fig. 6 illustrates a system 100 with one or more cameras 102 or sensors which detect motion of items as the operator passes them through the scan volume. The signal from the cameras is sent to a processor, such as via a suitable machine vision program, which analyzes the motion of the item (or the operator's hands) to determine how the item was moved through the scan volume, i.e., if it was lifted rather than dragged, or if it was twisted, or how long the item was in the scan volume before a successful scan occurred.

[0038] The use of multiple cameras may be preferred to the use of a single camera, because multiple camera views may be triangulated with one another (as shown by the dashed lines in Fig. 6), thereby producing a more thorough depiction of an operator's scanning technique. Since the identity of the item is known once it is scanned, the motion detected may be compared to a preferred or typical motion from the lookup table and feedback may be provided to the operator on how efficiently the operator moved the item through the scan volume via one of the display systems described above.

[0039] Reports, reviews, and evaluations of operator scanning technique may be produced as hard copy reports from a printer and/or may be displayed on a video monitor, such as PC monitor 49. Additionally, real-time feedback may be provided to the operator in graphical form via the visual feedback display 48. The visual feedback display 48 may be incorporated into the scanner 40, as shown in Fig. 1, or may be incorporated into any other suitable scanning system.

[0040] Figs. 7-9 illustrate a scanner 10 having a visual feedback display 20 that provides a visual readout (feedback) in a bar-graph format, in this instance, in an incremental format. The graphical display 20 includes a plurality of lamps 22a-22g which are lighted depending upon, for example, the effectiveness and/or efficiency of the operator's scanning technique, as described above. In the display 20a of Fig. 8, the bars 22g, 22f are fully lighted, the bars 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e are partially lighted, and the bar 22a is unlighted indicating that the scan technique was poor. In the display 20b of Fig. 9, all but bar 22a is fully lighted indicating that the scanning technique was good. The opposite methodology could also be followed, wherein the bars 22 could be lighted, in red for example, for a poor read, and not at all (or optionally in green) for a good read. Additionally, the lamps 22a-22g could light from left to right, as opposed to from right to left as shown.

[0041] The bars 22a-22g may light in a single color and intensity, or each bar may have a different color, or each bar may have the ability to change color thereby individually alighting in different colors. For example, bars 22g-22f may first light yellow, and then change to red if bars 22e-22d are also lighted.

[0042] The preferred color and graphical scheme is preferably one in which the feedback to the operator is highly intuitive. For example, via testing, it may be determined that a user intuitively associates the color green (green means "go") with successful reading operation. In that case if the system interprets a good operating technique, a green display may be initiated. If the system interprets a poor operating technique, a red display (red means "stop") may be initiated. Alternately, the display 20 may comprise a single bar changing colors, from green to red for example, to signify output value. Alternately, the display 20 may provide alphanumeric readout, e.g. displaying numbers 1 through 10, with higher numbers indicating a superior operation.

[0043] For a scanner with the indicators mounted on a horizontal surface thereof, the row of bars is preferably oriented parallel to the direction of, and not directly under, the path of scanned item flow so that neither the operator's hands nor the items scanned will obscure the display during scanning. For example, if the direction of scanning is from left to right, as illustrated in Figs. 8-9, the operator is preferably positioned at the bottom of the scanner, and items are passed from left to right across the window 14.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the system provides feedback to the operator that assists the operator in using the scanner in a more ergonomic and/or efficient manner, as described above. The scanner display 20 provides information to the operator by visual and/or audible mechanisms.

[0045] Forms of visual feedback could be, for example, lamps of various colors or which are arranged in sequential rows (as in the "bar graph" type display), or a video display with graphical or textual information about the operator's scanning technique. Audible feedback may include special sounds which indicate how properly the operator is scanning. The normal "good read" tone may be adjusted in pitch, duration, or other characteristic to provide the feedback information.

[0046] The feedback may comprise audible tones that could vary in pitch and/or volume to provide specific feedback information to the operator. The audible system may be preferred in training because the visual aspect could be distracting. The scanner may be connected to a dedicated PC or controller for training purposes.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Fig 10, a scanner 40' integrated with a weigh platter 41 may include a second visual feedback display 48' for providing feedback relating to the operator's lifting technique separately from other scanning feedback data. The other scanning feedback data may then be provided via the first visual feedback display 48.

[0048] Figs. 11-12 illustrate a handheld scanner 60 similar in configuration to the PowerScan^™ scanner manufactured by PSC Scanning, Inc. of Eugene, Oregon. The scanner includes a housing comprised of a scan head section 64 and a handle section 66. A trigger 68 is positioned on the handle 66 for operation. A visual display 70 is positioned on the top of the scan head section 64. The display 70 includes a continuous bar graph indicator which can provide feedback to the operator such as previously described. Additionally in the handheld environment, the feedback could also relate to (a) distance to object being scanned; (b) excessive motion, i.e. operation technique is not sufficiently steady; (c) trigger operation; or (d) aiming operation. For example, the scanner may include a velocity sensor or an accelerometer 76, mounted to or integrated into the scanner PCB 74 (both shown schematically by dashed lines in Fig. 12), which monitors motion of the scanner. By analyzing motion of the scanner at or around the time that a barcode is read, excessive motion may be determined and appropriate feedback may be provided to the operator.

[0049] The display 70 may also be aligned along the top of the scan head section 64 along the line of sight which provides for a highly visible location and may also serve to assist in aiming of the scanner 70.

[0050] The feedback system and graphical display may be incorporated into the scanner housing 80 itself, or it may comprise an add-on module 82, as shown in Fig. 13, mounted to the housing 81 of a scanner 80. In such a system, the module 82 may include a cord 84 which is connected to a port 86 on the scanner 80 for obtaining the scan and/or weight information for performing the analysis. The module 82 is removable and thus may be only temporarily connected to the scanner 80. The module 82 may comprise only the visual display 88, with processing being handled by a separate computer. For example, the module may be connected to a notebook computer 90, the computer 90 including suitable feedback analysis software. The notebook computer 90 is also connected to a port 92 on the scanner 80 for receiving the scanning and/or weight information.

[0051] Benefits of the various embodiments described herein may include one or more of the following: (a) improved operator productivity and scanning technique, (b) reduction in physical stress on the operator thus reducing repetitive motion injuries, (c) continuous improvement feedback, and (d) reports to management about operator technique.

[0052] Thus while embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to one skilled in the art that other modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is only restricted by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. A method of data reading by which an operator uses a data reader (40, 100, 10, 40', 80) to obtain identification data from a label or tag on an item, the operator passing the item through a read volume while moving the item across a weigh scale (41, 12) disposed proximate the read volume, the method comprising the steps of:

gathering operating technique data by monitoring operating technique as the operator uses the data reader;

obtaining weight data from the scale as the item is moved across the weigh scale;

determining effectiveness of the operating technique based upon a combination of input from the data reader and input of weight data from the weigh scale; and

providing feedback indicative of effectiveness of the operating technique.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing feedback comprises providing a visual display (48, 49, 20, 20a, 88) visible to the operator during operation of the data reader and displaying the feedback directly to the operator on the visual display.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining effectiveness of the operating technique comprises using the weight data from the scale obtained as the item is moved across the scale to determine an amount of lifting of the item and thereby determining whether the operating technique comprises a proper ergonomic technique.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data reader comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: optical reader, bar code reader, CCD imaging data reader, LED reader, CMOS imaging reader, RFID reader, EAS deactivation device.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the operator passing an item through a read volume of the data reader comprises scanning a symbol on the item to obtain symbol data.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the data reader (40, 40', 80, 100) includes a plurality of windows (44, 46) through which the symbol may be read, wherein the step of monitoring reading technique comprises determining through which window the symbol data was obtained.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the data reader is a scanner that produces a plurality of scan lines to read the symbol data, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises determining which scan line was used to read the symbol data.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises determining a distance from the data reader to the symbol when the symbol data was obtained.

9. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises determining a length of time that the symbol was present in the read volume before the symbol was successfully read.

10. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the step of assembling a plurality of data pieces to obtain the symbol data, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises determining how many data pieces were assembled to obtain the symbol data.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing feedback comprises broadcasting an audio message.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of providing feedback comprises displaying feedback data in graphical form via a visual feedback indicator (48, 20, 20a).

13. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of recording the operating technique data for subsequent analysis.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of determining effectiveness of the operating technique comprises obtaining optimum operating technique data and comparing the operating technique data gathered to the optimum operating technique data.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the step of obtaining optimum operating technique data comprises accessing a lookup table containing predetermined optimum operating technique data for an item corresponding to the identification data from the label or tag.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises detecting reading motion of the item via a plurality of triangulating cameras (102).

17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining a dynamic weight of the item from the output of the weigh scale as the item is moved across the weigh scale;

obtaining optimum dynamic weight data for the item from a lookup table containing item weight data corresponding to the symbol data;

comparing the dynamic weight of the item to the optimum dynamic weight data to determine an extent of lifting performed by the operator;

wherein the step of providing feedback comprises providing data regarding the extent of lifting to at least one of a training system and a monitoring system.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of scanning a plurality of items, calculating an average dynamic weight of the plurality of items, and comparing the average dynamic weight of the plurality of items to a predetermined average dynamic weight standard.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of:

producing a weight pulse having a duration equal to a length of time that the item is present on the weigh scale; and

determining a scan point within the weight pulse at which the item was scanned.

20. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of determining a rate at which the item is moved through the scan volume based on the duration of the weight pulse.

21. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining a dynamic weight of the item as the item is moved across the weigh scale;

comparing the dynamic weight value to a threshold value to make a decision whether the item was slid across the scanner or lifted across the scanner;

accumulating total quantities of items slid and items lifted for a plurality of items scanned;

wherein the step of providing feedback indicative of the operating technique comprises providing data regarding the relative amounts of lifting and of sliding to at least one of a training system and a monitoring system.

22. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

obtaining a dynamic weight of the item as the item is moved across the weigh scale;

calculating an average dynamic weight of a plurality of items scanned;

comparing the average dynamic weight of the plurality of items scanned to an average dynamic weight standard;

wherein the step of providing feedback indicative of the operating technique comprises providing data regarding an extent of lifting to at least one of a training system and a monitoring system.

23. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

providing a pre-selected group of items, each having a label or tag containing identification data;

reading the label or tag on each item;

monitoring reading technique of the operator to obtain operating technique data;

sending the operating technique data to a scanning evaluation system;

obtaining optimum scan technique data corresponding to the symbol data;

comparing the scan technique data to the optimum operating technique data to determine an effectiveness of the operating technique;

providing feedback data indicating the effectiveness of the operating technique.

24. The method according to claim 1 or 21 to 23, wherein the step of providing feedback data comprises displaying the feedback data via a computer (43, 90).

25. The method according to claim 1 or 21 to 23, wherein the step of providing feedback data comprises displaying the feedback data via a multimedia PC-based application.

26. The method according to claim 1 or 21 to 23, further comprising the step of determining whether an EAS tag on an item has been deactivated to determine the effectiveness of the operating technique.

27. The method according to claim 1 or 21, wherein the step of monitoring operating technique comprises obtaining a dynamic weight of the item as the item is moved across the weigh scale.

28. A system for data reading including a data reader (40) which obtains identification information from a tag or label on an item, and a weigh scale (41, 12) integrated with the data reader, characterized by

a system monitor which monitors operating technique of an operator as the operator uses the data reader to obtain the identification information;

feedback system in communication with the system monitor for providing feedback of effectiveness of the actual operating technique;

wherein the weigh scale (41, 12) obtains a dynamic or partial weight of the item during reading as the item is moved across the weigh scale;
wherein the feedback system compares the dynamic or partial weight of the item to an average dynamic weight standard and provides feedback indicative of an extent of lifting of the item.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein the data reader comprises a housing (42, 12, 81), wherein the feedback system comprises a visual feedback display (48, 20, 20a, 88) on the data reader visible to the operator.

30. The system according to claim 29, wherein the visual feedback display comprises a module (82) removably mounted on the housing.

31. The system according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the visual feedback display comprises a visual readout in a graphical display, a bar-graph, or a color readout.

32. The system according to claim 28 to 31, further comprising a camera (102) which monitors motion of the item during operation of the data reader.

33. The system according to claim 28 to 32, wherein the feedback system comprises a printer for printing a report as to operating technique.

Ansprüche

1. Verfahren zum Datenlesen, bei dem ein Operator einen Datenleser (40, 100, 10, 40', 80) zum Erhalten von Identifikationsdaten von einem Etikett oder Schild auf einem Gegenstand verwendet, wobei der Operator den Gegenstand durch einen Leseraum hindurch bewegt, während der Gegenstand über eine nahe dem Leseraum angeordnete Waagschale (42, 12) bewegt wird, wobei das Verfahren die Schritte aufweist:

Zusammentragen von Betriebstechnik-Daten mittels Überwachens der Betriebstechnik, während der Operator den Datenleser verwendet;

Erhalten von Gewichtsdaten von der Schale, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird;

Ermitteln der Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik basierend auf einer Kombination der Eingabe von dem Datenleser und der Eingabe der Gewichtsdaten von der Waagschale; und

Bereitstellen einer Rückmeldung, die die Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik angibt.

2. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens einer Rückmeldung aufweist Bereitstellen einer visuellen Anzeige (48, 49, 20, 20a, 88), die für den Operator während des Betriebs des Datenlesers sichtbar ist, und Anzeigen der Rückmeldung direkt für den Operator auf der visuellen Anzeige.

3. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Ermittelns der Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik aufweist Verwenden der Gewichtsdaten von der Schale, die erhalten wurden, während der Gegenstand über die Schale bewegt wurde, zum Ermitteln einer Hebehöhe des Gegenstandes und dadurch Ermitteln, ob die Betriebstechnik eine geeignete ergonomische Technik aufweist.

4. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Datenleser eine Vorrichtung aufweist, die aus der Gruppe ausgewählt wurde, die aufweist: optischer Leser, Barcode-Leser, CCD-Bildaufbereitungs-Daten-Leser, LED-Leser, CMOS-Bildaufbereitungs-Leser, RFID-Leser, EAS-Deaktivierungs-Vorrichtung.

5. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der einen Gegenstand durch einen Leseraum des Datenlesers hindurch bewegende Operator aufweist Abtasten eines Symbols auf dem Gegenstand zum Erhalten von Symboldaten.

6. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Datenleser (40, 40', 80, 100) eine Mehrzahl von Fenstern (44, 46) aufweist, durch welche hindurch das Symbol gelesen werden kann, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Lesetechnik aufweist Ermitteln, durch welches Fenster hindurch die Symboldaten erhalten wurden.

7. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Datenleser ein Scanner ist, der eine Mehrzahl von Abtastlinien zum Lesen der Symboldaten erzeugt, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Ermitteln, welche Abtastlinie zum Lesen der Symboldaten verwendet wurde.

8. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Ermitteln eines Abstandes zwischen dem Datenleser und dem Symbol, wenn die Symboldaten erhalten werden.

9. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 5, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Ermitteln einer Zeitdauer, während der das Symbol in dem Leseraum präsent war, bevor das Symbol erfolgreich gelesen wurde.

10. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 5, außerdem aufweisend den Schritt des Zusammentragens von Datenstücken zum Erhalten der Symboldaten, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Ermitteln, wie viele Datenstücke zum Erhalten der Symboldaten zusammengetragen wurden.

11. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von Rückmeldung aufweist Aussenden einer Audio-Nachricht.

12. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von Rückmeldung aufweist Anzeigen von Rückmelde-Daten in graphischer Form über einen visuellen Rückmelde-Indikator (48, 20, 20a).

13. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, außerdem aufweisend den Schritt des Aufzeichnens der Betriebstechnik-Daten für nachfolgende Analyse.

14. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Ermittelns der Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik aufweist Erhalten von optimalen Betriebstechnik-Daten und Vergleichen der zusammengetragenen Betriebstechnik-Daten mit den optimalen Betriebstechnik-Daten.

15. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 14, wobei der Schritt des Erhaltens von optimalen Betriebstechnik-Daten aufweist Zugreifen auf eine Nachschlage-Tabelle, die vorbestimmte optimale Betriebstechnik-Daten enthält, für einen Gegenstand entsprechend den Identifikationsdaten von dem Etikett oder Schild.

16. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Detektieren von Lesebewegung des Gegenstands über eine Mehrzahl von triangulierenden Kameras (102).

17. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, außerdem aufweisend:

Erhalten eines dynamischen Gewichts des Gegenstands von der Ausgabe der Waagschale, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird;

Erhalten von optimalen dynamischen Gewichtsdaten für den Gegenstand aus einer Nachschlage-Tabelle, die Gegenstand-Gewichtsdaten entsprechend den Symboldaten aufweist;

Vergleichen des dynamischen Gewichts des Gegenstands mit den optimalen dynamischen Gewichtsdaten, um eine von dem Operator veranlasste Hebehöhe zu ermitteln;

wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von Rückmeldung aufweist Bereitstellen von Daten bezüglich der Hebehöhe an mindestens einem von einem Trainingssystem und einem Überwachungssystem.

18. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 17, außerdem aufweisend die Schritte des Abtastens einer Mehrzahl von Gegenständen, Berechnens eines durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts der Mehrzahl von Gegenständen und Vergleichens des durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts der Mehrzahl von Gegenständen mit einem vorbestimmten durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts-Standard.

19. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 17, außerdem aufweisend die Schritte:

Erzeugen eines Gewichtspulses, der eine Dauer gleich der Zeitdauer aufweist, während der der Gegenstand auf der Waagschale präsent ist; und

Ermitteln eines Abtastpunkts innerhalb des Gewichtspulses, bei dem der Gegenstand abgetastet wurde.

20. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 17, außerdem aufweisend den Schritt des Ermittelns einer Rate, mit der der Gegenstand durch den Abtastraum hindurch bewegt wird, basierend auf der Dauer des Gewichtspulses.

21. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, außerdem aufweisend:

Erhalten eines dynamischen Gewichts des Gegenstands, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird; Vergleichen des dynamischen Gewichts mit einem Schwellenwert, um eine Entscheidung zu treffen, ob der Gegenstand über den Scanner geschoben wurde oder über den Scanner gehoben wurde;

Aufsummieren der Gesamtmenge an geschobenen Gegenständen und gehobenen Gegenständen für eine Mehrzahl von abgetasteten Gegenständen;

wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von die Betriebstechnik angebender Rückmeldung aufweist Bereitstellen von Daten hinsichtlich der relativen Mengen an Gehobenen und Geschobenen an mindestens einem von einem Trainingssystem und einem Überwachungssystem.

22. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, außerdem aufweisend:

Erhalten eines dynamischen Gewichts des Gegenstands, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird; Berechnen eines durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts einer Mehrzahl von abgetasteten Gegenständen; Vergleichen des durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts der Mehrzahl von abgetasteten Gegenständen mit einem durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts-Standard;

wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von die Betriebstechnik angebender Rückmeldung aufweist Bereitstellen von Daten hinsichtlich einer Hebehöhe an mindestens eines von einem Trainingssystem und einem Überwachungssystem.

23. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1, außerdem aufweisend:

Bereitstellen einer vorausgewählten Gruppe von Gegenständen, wobei jeder ein Identifikationsdaten aufweisendes Etikett oder Schild aufweist;

Lesen des Etiketts oder Schilds auf jedem Gegenstand; Überwachen der Lesetechnik des Operators, um

Betriebstechnik-Daten zu erhalten;

Senden der Betriebstechnik-Daten an ein Abtast-Bewertungs-System;

Erhalten optimaler Abtast-Technik-Daten entsprechend den Symboldaten;

Vergleichen der Abtast-Technik-Daten mit den optimalen Betriebstechnik-Daten, um eine Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik zu ermitteln;

Bereitstellen von die Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik angebenden Rückmelde-Daten.

24. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 21 bis 23, wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von Rückmelde-Daten aufweist Darstellen der Rückmelde-Daten über einen Computer (43, 90) .

25. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 21 bis 23, wobei der Schritt des Bereitstellens von Rückmelde-Daten aufweist Darstellen der Rückmelde-Daten über eine PC-basierende Multimedia-Anwendung.

26. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 21 bis 23, außerdem aufweisend den Schritt des Ermittelns, ob ein EAS-Etikett auf einem Gegenstand deaktiviert wurde, um die Wirksamkeit der Betriebstechnik zu ermitteln.

27. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 21, wobei der Schritt des Überwachens der Betriebstechnik aufweist Erhalten eines dynamischen Gewichts des Gegenstands, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird.

28. System zum Datenlesen aufweisend einen Datenleser (40), der Identifikations-Information von einem Etikett oder Schild auf einem Gegenstand erhält, und eine in dem Datenleser integrierte Waagschale (41, 12),
gekennzeichnet durch:

einen Systemmonitor, der eine Betriebstechnik eines Operators überwacht, während der Operator den Datenleser zum Erhalten der Identifikations-Information verwendet;

ein in Kommunikationsverbindung mit dem Systemmonitor stehendes Rückmeldesystem zum Bereitstellen von Rückmeldung über die Wirksamkeit der gegenwärtigen Betriebstechnik;

wobei die Waagschale (41, 12) ein dynamisches oder partielles Gewicht des Gegenstands während des Lesens erhält, während der Gegenstand über die Waagschale bewegt wird;
wobei das Rückmeldesystem das dynamische oder partielle Gewicht des Gegenstands mit einem durchschnittlichen dynamischen Gewichts-Standard vergleicht und eine Rückmeldung bereitstellt, die eine Hebehöhe des Gegenstands angibt.

29. System gemäß Anspruch 28, wobei der Datenleser ein Gehäuse (42, 12, 81) aufweist, wobei das Rückmeldesystem eine für den Operator sichtbare visuelle Rückmeldeanzeige (48, 20, 20a, 88) auf dem Datenleser aufweist.

30. System gemäß Anspruch 29, wobei die visuelle Rückmeldeanzeige ein entfernbar an dem Gehäuse befestigtes Modul (82) aufweist.

31. System gemäß Anspruch 29 oder 30, wobei die visuelle Rückmeldeanzeige eine visuelle Messwertanzeige in einer graphischen Anzeige, ein Balkendiagramm oder eine Farb-Messwertanzeige aufweist.

32. System gemäß Anspruch 28 bis 31, außerdem aufweisend eine Kamera (102), welche Bewegung des Gegenstands während des Betriebs des Datenlesers überwacht.

33. System gemäß Anspruch 28 bis 32, wobei das Rückmeldesystem einen Drucker zum Drucken eines Berichts hinsichtlich der Betriebstechnik aufweist.

Revendications

1. Procédé de lecture de données par lequel un opérateur utilise un lecteur de données (40, 100, 10, 40', 80) pour obtenir des données d'identification à partir d'une étiquette ou d'un label sur un article, l'opérateur passant l'article à travers un volume de lecture tout en déplaçant l'article sur une balance de pesée (41, 12) disposée à proximité du volume de lecture, le procédé comprenant les étapes consistant à :

rassembler des données de technique opératoire en surveillant la technique opératoire lorsque l'utilisateur utilise le lecteur de données ;

obtenir des données de poids de la balance lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée ;

déterminer l'efficacité de la technique opératoire sur la base d'une combinaison d'entrées en provenance du lecteur de données et d'entrées de données de poids en provenance de la balance de pesée ; et

produire un retour d'information indicatif de l'efficacité de la technique opératoire.

2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de production du retour d'information comprend la fourniture d'une présentation visuelle (48, 49, 20, 20a, 88) visible par l'opérateur pendant le fonctionnement du lecteur de données et affichant le retour d'information directement pour l'opérateur sur l'écran.

3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de détermination de l'efficacité de la technique opératoire comprend l'utilisation des données de poids de la balance obtenues lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance pour déterminer une quantité de soulèvement de l'article et déterminer de cette manière si la technique opératoire comprend une technique ergonomique appropriée.

4. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le lecteur de données comprend un dispositif sélectionné parmi le groupe constitué par : un lecteur optique, un lecteur de codes barres, un lecteur de données d'image CCD, un lecteur DEL, un lecteur de données d'image CMOS, un lecteur RFID, un dispositif de désactivation EAS (surveillance électronique d'articles).

5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le passage par l'opérateur d'un article à travers un volume de lecture du lecteur de données comprend le balayage d'un symbole sur l'article pour obtenir des données de symbole.

6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le lecteur de données (40, 40', 80, 100) comprend une pluralité de fenêtres (44, 46) à travers lesquelles le symbole peut être lu, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique de lecture comprend la détermination de la fenêtre à travers laquelle les données de symbole ont été obtenues.

7. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel le lecteur de données est un dispositif de balayage qui produit une pluralité de lignes de balayage pour lire les données de symbole, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend la détermination de la ligne de balayage qui a été utilisée pour lire les données de symbole.

8. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend la détermination d'une distance entre le lecteur de données et le symbole quand les données de symbole ont été obtenues.

9. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend la détermination d'un temps pendant lequel le symbole était présent dans le volume de lecture avant que le symbole soit lu avec succès.

10. Procédé selon la revendication 5, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à assembler une pluralité de pièces de données pour obtenir les données de symbole, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend la détermination de combien de pièces de données ont été assemblées pour obtenir les données de symbole.

11. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de production du retour d'information comprend la diffusion d'un message audio.

12. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de production du retour d'information comprend l'affichage de données de retour sous forme graphique via un indicateur visuel de retour (48, 20, 20a).

13. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à enregistrer les données de technique opératoire pour une analyse ultérieure.

14. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de détermination de l'efficacité de la technique opératoire comprend l'obtention de données de technique opératoire optimales et la comparaison des données de technique opératoire rassemblées avec les données de technique opératoire optimales.

15. Procédé selon la revendication 14, dans lequel l'étape d'obtention de données de technique opératoire optimales comprend l'accès à une table de conversion contenant des données de technique opératoire optimales prédéterminées pour un article, correspondant aux données d'identification de l'étiquette ou du label.

16. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend la détection d'un mouvement de lecture de l'article via une pluralité de caméras en triangle (102).

17. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

l'obtention d'un poids dynamique de l'article à partir de la sortie de la balance de pesée lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée ;

l'obtention de données optimales de poids dynamique pour l'article dans une table de conversion contenant les données de poids de l'article correspondant aux données de symbole ;

la comparaison du poids dynamique de l'article avec les données optimales de poids dynamique pour déterminer une quantité de soulèvement effectuée par l'opérateur ;

dans lequel l'étape de production du retour d'information comprend la fourniture de données concernant la quantité de soulèvement à au moins l'un d'un système de formation et d'un système de surveillance.

18. Procédé selon la revendication 17, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à balayer une pluralité d'articles, calculer un poids dynamique moyen de la pluralité d'articles, et comparer le poids dynamique moyen de la pluralité d'articles à un standard de poids dynamique moyen prédéterminé.

19. Procédé selon la revendication 17, comprenant en outre les étapes consistant à :

produire une impulsion de poids ayant une durée égale à un temps pendant lequel l'article est présent sur la balance de pesée ; et

déterminer un point de balayage dans l'impulsion de poids auquel l'article a été balayé.

20. Procédé selon la revendication 17, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à déterminer une vitesse à laquelle l'article est déplacé à travers le volume de balayage sur la base de la durée de l'impulsion de poids.

21. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

l'obtention d'un poids dynamique de l'article lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée ;

la comparaison de la valeur de poids dynamique à une valeur de seuil pour déterminer si l'article a été glissé sur le dispositif de balayage ou soulevé sur le dispositif de balayage ;

cumuler des quantités totales d'articles glissés et d'articles soulevés pour une pluralité d'articles balayés ;

dans lequel l'étape de production d'un retour d'information indicatif de la technique opératoire comprend la fourniture de données concernant les quantités relatives de soulèvement et de glissement à au moins l'un d'un système de formation et d'un système de surveillance.

22. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

l'obtention d'un poids dynamique de l'article lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée ;

le calcul d'un poids dynamique moyen d'une pluralité d'articles balayés ;

la comparaison du poids dynamique moyen de la pluralité d'articles balayés avec un standard de poids dynamique moyen ;

dans lequel l'étape de production d'un retour d'information indicatif de la technique opératoire comprend la fourniture de données concernant une quantité de soulèvement à au moins l'un d'un système de formation et d'un système de surveillance.

23. Procédé selon la revendication 1, comprenant en outre :

la fourniture d'un groupe d'articles présélectionnés, chacun ayant une étiquette ou un label contenant des données d'identification ;

la lecture de l'étiquette ou label sur chaque article ;

la surveillance de la technique de lecture de l'opérateur pour obtenir des données de technique opératoire ;

l'envoi des données de technique opératoire à un système d'évaluation par balayage ;

l'obtention de données optimales de technique de balayage correspondant aux données de symbole ;

la comparaison des données de technique de balayage aux données optimales de technique opératoire pour déterminer une efficacité de la technique opératoire ;

la production de données de retour indiquant l'efficacité de la technique opératoire.

24. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 21 à 23, dans lequel l'étape de production de données de retour comprend l'affichage des données de retour via un ordinateur (43, 90).

25. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 21 à 23, dans lequel l'étape de production de données de retour comprend l'affichage des données de retour via une application multimédia sur PC.

26. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 21 à 23, comprenant en outre l'étape consistant à déterminer si une étiquette EAS sur un article a été désactivée pour déterminer l'efficacité de la technique opératoire.

27. Procédé selon la revendication 1 ou 21, dans lequel l'étape de surveillance de la technique opératoire comprend l'obtention d'un poids dynamique de l'article lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée.

28. Système de lecture de données comprenant un lecteur de données (40) qui obtient une information d'identification à partir d'un label ou étiquette sur un article, et une balance de pesée (41, 12) intégrée au lecteur de données,
caractérisé par

un système de surveillance qui surveille la technique opératoire d'un opérateur lorsque l'opérateur utilise le lecteur de données pour obtenir l'information d'identification ;

un système de retour d'information en communication avec le système de surveillance pour produire un retour d'information de l'efficacité de la technique opératoire réelle ;

dans lequel la balance de pesée (41, 12) obtient un poids dynamique ou partiel de l'article pendant la lecture lorsque l'article est déplacé sur la balance de pesée ;
dans lequel le système de retour d'information compare le poids dynamique ou partiel de l'article à un standard de poids dynamique moyen et produit un retour d'information indicatif d'une quantité de soulèvement de l'article.

29. Système selon la revendication 28, dans lequel le lecteur de données comprend un logement (42, 12, 81), dans lequel le système de retour d'information comprend une présentation visuelle de retour d'information (48, 20, 20a, 88) sur le lecteur de données visible pour l'opérateur.

30. Système selon la revendication 29, dans lequel la présentation visuelle de retour d'information comprend un module (82) monté de façon amovible dans le logement.

31. Système selon la revendication 29 ou 30, dans lequel la présentation visuelle de retour d'information comprend un indicateur visuel sous forme d'affichage graphique, d'histogramme ou de voyant coloré.

32. Système selon les revendications 28 à 31, comprenant en outre une caméra (102) qui surveille le déplacement de l'article pendant le fonctionnement du lecteur de données.

33. Système selon les revendications 28 à 32, dans lequel le système de retour d'information comprend une imprimante pour imprimer un rapport sur la technique opératoire.

Drawing